Training Tool and Method of Manufacturing the Same

ABSTRACT

A training tool is formed in an integrated loop-like shape, which presents a substantially-wide rectangular frame as a whole in plan view by a pair of first grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other and a pair of second grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other with a distance narrower than the distance between the first grip parts. The first grip parts are formed in a straight or gently curved shape, while the second grip parts are bent in an arc in front view and are narrowed toward the inner side of the rectangular frame in plan view so that the middle portions thereof approach each other. Furthermore, the training tool is formed with a mixed resin material containing 50-80% of elastomer and 50-20% of polypropylene.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to a training tool and a method of manufacturing the training tool.

BACKGROUND

Japanese Patent No. 3763840 discloses a training tool. According to the training tool disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3763840, various types of stretching and training for different parts of a body may be performed by selecting the position and the manner of grasping the tool with both hands.

SUMMARY

Such a training tool has been desired that may be more easily and safely used for stretching and fitness training.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a training tool that may be more easily and safely used for stretching and fitness training, and to provide a method of manufacturing the training tool.

The training tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure is formed in an integrated loop-like shape, which presents a substantially-wide rectangular frame as a whole in plan view by a pair of first grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other and by a pair of second grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other with a distance narrower than a distance between the first grip parts. The first grip parts are formed in a straight or gently curved shape, while the second grip parts are bent in an arc in front view and are narrowed toward the inner side of the rectangular frame in plan view so that the middle portions thereof approach each other. The training tool is formed with a mixed resin material containing 50-80% of elastomer and 50-20% of polypropylene.

The training tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure is formed in an integrated loop-like shape, which presents a substantially-wide rectangular frame as a whole in plan view by a pair of first grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other and by a pair of second grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other with a narrower distance from each other compared to the first grip parts. The first grip parts are formed in a straight or gently curved shape, while the second grip parts are bent in an arc in front view and are narrowed toward the inner side of the rectangular frame in plan view, each by 18 mm-25 mm, so that the middle portions thereof approach each other. At the middle portions of the second grip parts, the inner side surfaces are apart from each other by a distance of 40 mm-50 mm in plan view.

In the training tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the middle portions of the second grip parts are narrowed toward the inner side of the rectangular frame in plan view, each by 18 mm-25 mm. The middle portions of the second grip parts are apart from each other by a distance of 40 mm-50 mm between the inner side surfaces in plan view.

In the training tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the middle portions of the second grip parts are apart from each other by a distance of 42.5 mm-47.5 mm between the inner side surfaces in plan view.

In the training tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a concave portion is located on a front surface and a rear surface of each of the first grip parts along a longitudinal direction of the first grip parts.

A method of manufacturing a training tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes pouring a mixed resin material containing 50-80% of elastomer and 50-20% of polypropylene into a mold having a shape formed in an integrated loop, which presents a substantially-wide rectangular frame as a whole in plan view by a pair of first grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other and by a pair of second grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other with a narrower distance from each other compared to the first grip parts, the first grip parts being formed in a straight or gently curved shape, while the second grip parts being bent in an arc in front view and narrowed toward the inner side of the rectangular frame in plan view, each by 18 mm-25 mm, so that the middle portions approach each other, to manufacture a training tool having the shape.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, easier and safer stretching and fitness training may be performed.

The above and further objects and features will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a training tool according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of a training tool according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a front view of a training tool according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2C is a side view of a training tool according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating evaluation for a training tool;

FIG. 4A is a schematic view illustrating an example of usage of a training tool while grasping the tool with both hands;

FIG. 4B is a schematic view illustrating an example of usage of a training tool while grasping the tool with both hands;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an example of usage of a training tool placed on a floor surface;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating an example of usage of a training tool placed on a floor surface;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating an example of usage of a training tool placed on a floor surface;

FIG. 8A is a schematic view illustrating an example of how to grasp a training tool with one hand;

FIG. 8B is a schematic view illustrating an example of how to grasp a training tool with one hand;

FIG. 8C is a schematic view illustrating an example of how to grasp a training tool with one hand;

FIG. 8D is a schematic view illustrating an example of how to grasp a training tool with one hand;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an example of usage of a training tool while grasping the tool with one hand; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating an example of usage of a training tool while grasping the tool with one hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Best modes for implementing the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outer appearance of a training tool according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a plan view of a training tool according to an embodiment, FIG. 2B is a front view and FIG. 2C is a side view.

A training tool indicated by a reference numeral 1 in the drawings has a pair of first grip parts 1 a and a pair of second grip parts 1 b, each of which is formed in the shape of a solid round rod. The first grip parts 1 a are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other, having a straight or gently-curved shape in plan view as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The second grip parts 1 b connect the respective ends of the first grip parts 1 a, are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other, are narrowed toward the inner side and are curved in an arc in a direction substantially perpendicular to the narrowing direction, to form a substantially wing-shaped arch. The distance between the second grip parts 1 b is narrower than the distance between the first grip parts 1 a, the ratio being approximately a half to a fourth. This forms the shape of a rectangular frame with an integrated loop as a whole, presenting a rounded wide rectangular shape, the entire profile thereof in plan view resembling the shape of a human pelvis when seen from the top. The first grip parts 1 a are formed such that the middle portions are thicker than the end portions that are to be connected to the second grip parts 1 b.

In other words, when the entire tool is seen from the top, the first grip parts 1 a are positioned at left and right positions and the second grip parts 1 b are positioned at front and back (up and down) positions in plan view (see FIG. 2A). When the entire tool is seen from the front, the first grip parts 1 a are located at left and right positions on the lower side, whereas the second grip parts 1 b are located at front and back positions on the upper side compared to the first grip parts 1 a, presenting a mound shape (see FIG. 2B). Furthermore, when the entire tool is seen from a side surface, the first grip parts 1 a are located at front and back (left and right) positions whereas the second grip parts 1 b are located at left and right (front and back) positions on the upper side compared to the positions of the first grip parts 1 a (see FIG. 2C).

Moreover, the second grip parts 1 b are somewhat narrowed in plan view so as to approach each other, the widening angle thereof being approximately 150 degrees, for example. Each of the first grip parts 1 a and the second grip parts 1 b has such an outer diameter that may directly be grasped by a user's hands and fingers. The training tool 1 having the shape of a substantially-rounded rectangular frame in plan view is formed to have a size large enough for wrists and ankles to be inserted into the rectangular frame, and has an internal space large enough for left and right hands as well as fingers not to make contact with one another when the first grip parts 1 a or the second grip parts 1 b are grasped with both hands. Furthermore, the first grip part 1 a is provided with a concave portion 1 aa extending an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction of the first grip part 1 a on the same side as the protruding side of the curve of the second grip part 1 b (a front surface of the first grip part 1 a), as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C. While FIG. 1 only illustrates the concave portion 1 aa located at the first grip part 1 a on the right side, a similar concave portion 1 aa is located also at the first grip part 1 a on the left side. Furthermore, though not illustrated, the first grip part 1 a is provided with a similar concave portion 1 aa also on the same side as the depressed side of the curve of the second grip part 1 b (a rear surface of the first grip part 1 a).

As to the specific size of each part of the training tool 1, the first grip part 1 a has a diameter of approximately 25 mm and the second grip part 1 b has a diameter of approximately 20 mm, which are easily grasped by a hand and fingers. Moreover, an outer width W1 between the ends of the first grip part 1 a is set as approximately 130 mm, an outer width W2 between middle portions of the second grip parts 1 b is set as approximately 90 mm, and a height h from the end of the first grip part 1 a to the middle portion of the second grip part 1 b is set as approximately 100 mm. Furthermore, the magnitude of the curve of the first grip part 1 a is set with an inner width W3 of approximately 85 mm, for example, so that an arm or a wrist may easily be inserted or pressed against, and the angle of the curve of the second grip part 1 b in side view is set as approximately 120 degrees. The distance between the second grip parts 1 b are so narrowed that the middle portions approach each other by the width B in plan view such that the tool 1 will not easily fall off from an arm, a wrist or the like inserted therethrough. The inner width A of the middle portions closest to each other is set as approximately 40 mm-50 mm, for example. The width B is approximately 18 mm-25 mm, which represents, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the distance from a line connecting the outermost portions when the training tool 1 is viewed from the top (indicated by a dashed-dotted line in FIGS. 2A and 2C) to an outer side surface of one of the middle portions of the second grip parts 1 b that are closest to each other. It is noted that the inner width A between the second grip parts 1 b may preferably be approximately 42.5 mm-47.5 mm. It is to be understood that the specific sizes indicated here are mere examples, and the present disclosure is not limited by the described examples in any way.

The training tool 1 is made of a mixed resin material containing elastomer and polypropylene. A mixed resin material with improved fit and elasticity is used, which is obtained by mixing polypropylene serving as a base material with elastomer having elasticity. The training tool 1 is formed by the first grip parts 1 a and the second grip parts 1 b that are integrally molded by, for example, injection molding. More specifically, the training tool 1 is fabricated by pouring the mixed resin material described earlier into a mold having the shape as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A to 2C, and by solidifying the mixed resin material. Other than being integrally molded, the training tool 1 may also be fabricated by connecting multiple members together.

The training tool 1 configured as described above is used by the user grasping the first grip part 1 a or the second grip part 1 b with a hand, or by being placed on a floor, as will be described later. Such usage requires the training tool 1 to have good fit and elasticity. In the present embodiment, therefore, the mixed resin material containing polypropylene and elastomer is used in order to improve the fit and elasticity of the training tool 1. Moreover, an evaluation test for evaluating the fit and elasticity of the training tool 1 is conducted to obtain the result as illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating evaluation for training tools fabricated with different content rates of elastomer and polypropylene. As illustrated in FIG. 3, nine samples of the training tools 1 are fabricated with different content rates of elastomer and polypropylene. For each sample, for example, in the case where the surface of the training tool 1 has a friction coefficient of a predetermined value or higher, the evaluation for fit is determined as “positive,” and in the case where the training tool 1 has an elasticity coefficient of a predetermined value or higher, the evaluation for elasticity is determined as “positive.” The evaluation standard for each sample is not limited thereto.

It can be found from the evaluation result illustrated in FIG. 3 that a mixed resin material with elastomer having the content rate of 50%-80% and polypropylene having the content rate of 50%-20% may preferably be used. According to the present embodiment, the training tool 1 having both favorable fit and appropriate elasticity may be fabricated by using a mixed resin material containing 50-80% of elastomer and 50-20% of polypropylene.

Usage of the training tool 1 will be described below.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic views illustrating examples of usage of the training tool 1 while grasping the tool 1 with both hands. The usage example in FIG. 4A illustrates that the user grasps the first grip parts 1 a respectively with both hands, whereas the example in FIG. 4B illustrates that the user grasps the second grip parts 1 b respectively with both hands. As such, the user performs fitness training or the like by extending both arms to the front or pulling the arms to him/herself while grasping the training tool 1 with both hands.

According to the usage as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the training tool 1 has favorable fit, which improves a grip performance obtained when the user grasps the training tool 1, and thus is easy to use. When the user grasps the first grip parts 1 a, the user's fingertips may be fitted to the concave portions 1 aa located at the first grip parts 1 a so as to help the user to grasp the first grip parts la and to further enhance the grip performance. Moreover, as the training tool 1 has appropriate elasticity, repulsion force is added depending on the force applied by the user, which allows the user to perform effective training. This also allows a user who has a weak grip, such as a child or care receiver, to easily and safely perform fitness training or the like.

In the training tool 1 according to the present embodiment, the distance between a pair of first grip parts 1 a is different from the distance between a pair of second grip parts 1 b. Accordingly, the distance between both hands used for grasping the tool 1 may be changed by the user selecting either one of the first grip parts 1 a and the second grip parts 1 b to be grasped with the hands. By changing the distance between the hands, training and stretching for different parts of the body may effectively be performed.

With its appropriate elasticity, the training tool 1 may be prevented from being broken during the manufacturing process, which improves the yield, and also be prevented from being broken even if an excessive force is applied to the training tool 1 during use. This allows a child or care receiver to easily and safely perform stretching and fitness training.

Furthermore, the training tool 1 according to the present embodiment may be used while being placed on a floor surface as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7. FIGS. 5 to 7 are schematic views illustrating examples of usage of the training tool 1 placed on a floor surface. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, in the case of using the training tool 1 while being placed on a floor surface, the training tool 1 is placed on the floor surface such that the first grip parts 1 a are in contact with the floor surface and the mound protruding side of the arc-shaped second grip parts 1 b faces upward. In the usage example as illustrated in FIG. 5, the user puts the two first grip parts 1 a at the head side and the foot side respectively, and lays him/herself on the training tool 1 to stretch the body while pressing the spine or lower back against the protruding side of the second grip parts 1 b so that the body bends backward. Moreover, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5, the user performs training or the like by lifting the upper body and/or lower body from the floor surface.

In the usage examples as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user places the two first grip parts 1 a at the left and right sides of the body, respectively. In the usage example as illustrated in FIG. 6, the user massages the calf or thigh by pressing it against the protruding side of the second grip parts 1 b of the training tool 1. Moreover, in the usage example as illustrated in FIG. 7, the user massages the soles of feet by pressing them against the protruding side of the second grip parts 1 b of the training tool 1.

In the usage examples as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the training tool 1 has favorable fit and appropriate elasticity, which may prevent the training tool 1 from slipping on a floor surface and thus allow for safe training or the like. Furthermore, in the examples as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, because of its appropriate elasticity, the training tool 1 will not be broken even if an excessive force is applied thereto. Furthermore, even if an excessive force is applied to the training tool 1, the training tool 1 deforms so as to prevent the user's body from an excessive force. This allows a child or care receiver to easily and safely perform stretching and fitness training.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are schematic views illustrating examples of how to grasp the training tool 1 with one hand. FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic views illustrating examples of grasping the training tool 1 with one hand. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the state where the left hand is inserted from the protruding side into a space between the pair of second grip parts 1 b and one of the first grip parts 1 a (left first grip part 1 a in FIGS. 8A and 8B) is pressed against the outer side of the front arm while the other one of the first grip parts 1 a is grasped by the hand. FIG. 8A illustrates the state seen from the outer side of the front arm, whereas FIG. 8B illustrates the state seen from the inner side of the front arm.

FIGS. 8C and 8D illustrate the state where the left hand is inserted from the protruding side into a space between the pair of second grip parts 1 b and one of the first grip parts 1 a is pressed against the inner side of the front arm while the other one of the first grip parts 1 a is grasped by the hand. FIG. 8C illustrates the state seen from the inner side of the front arm, whereas FIG. 8D illustrates the state seen from the outer side of the front arm.

In the training tool 1 according to the present embodiment, a width W3 at the inner side of the curved portion of the first grip part 1 a is set as approximately 85 mm, which is enough for an arm, a wrist or the like to easily pass through. Furthermore, an inner width A between the middle portions of the pair of second grip parts 1 b is set as approximately 40 mm-50 mm so that an arm, a wrist or the like inserted into a space near the first grip part 1 a will not come off. In the case where the training tool 1 is grasped by inserting an arm, a wrist or the like into a space near the first grip part 1 a, therefore, the training tool 1 may be securely held to the arm, wrist or the like to maintain the grasping manner as illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8D. The training tool 1 may thus be integrated with the movement of the arm, wrist or the like, allowing for efficient training or the like. Furthermore, in the case where the hand which has been grasping the training tool 1 with the manner as illustrated in FIGS. 8C and 8D is released from the first grip part 1 a, the second grip part 1 b is caught at the wrist, preventing the training tool 1 from falling off the wrist or arm. By narrowing the inner width A between the middle portions of the second grip parts 1 b to approximately 42.5 mm-47.5 mm, the training tool 1 may apply to a user with a thin arm or wrist, for example.

In the usage example as illustrated in FIG. 9, the user moves both hands while grasping two training tools 1 with the respective hands so as to partly or entirely bend or twist the body to the front and back, left and right while keeping balance for training, stretching, myofascial release or the like. Here, sitting on a chair as illustrated may increase the degree of body twisting and thus increase its efficiency. Furthermore, if the training tool 1 has a certain amount of weight, a further training effect may be obtained.

In the usage example as illustrated in FIG. 10, the user may grasp the training tool 1 with one hand and may press, or press and rub, a part of the training tool 1 against the chest to give him/herself a massage, myofascial release or the like. A similar manner may be employed to perform a massage, myofascial release or the like for body parts such as neck, shoulders, lower back, abdomen, limbs, wrists, ankles and so forth.

In the usage examples as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the training tool 1 may be securely held at the arm, and thus be integrated with the movement of the arm, allowing for efficient training, massage or the like. Even in the case where the user presses the training tool 1 against each part of the body through the clothes, the training tool 1 is firmly attached to the clothes because of its desired fit, which may prevent the tool 1 from slipping over the clothes and may thus attain a good sense of use. This allows for efficient massage, myofascial release and so forth.

As described above, with the training tool 1 according to the present embodiment, a stretching effect or massage effect may be given to any part of the body according to a combination of: the choice of one hand or both hands to grasp the tool 1; the form of grasping by one hand or both hands; the state of bending and stretching of the body or shaking and swinging of the shoulders and whole arms while grasping the training tool 1; and the positions of feet in the state of standing, for example. It is to be noted that the usage of the training tool 1 as described above are mere examples.

The training tool 1 according to the present embodiment allows the user to perform fitness training and stretching for different parts of the body by employing various changes in the form of use, i.e., according to the choice of pushing, pulling or twisting; a part of the tool 1 to be in contact with the body; the direction of pressing; a whole or part of the body to be twisted; a posture when using the tool 1, such as face-down, face-up, seated, kneeling or standing; and a body part such as neck, shoulders, lower back, abdomen, limbs, wrists and ankles. The training tool 1 according to the present embodiment may therefore be used for multiple purposes, e.g., for muscle stretch training, muscle pump-up training, body massage, or even beauty slimming training, rehabilitation training, and so forth.

It is to be noted that the disclosed embodiment is illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims

It is to be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A training tool comprising: a pair of first grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other; and a pair of second grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other with a distance narrower than a distance between the first grip parts, wherein the training tool is formed in an integrated loop-like shape, which presents a substantially-wide rectangular frame as a whole in plan view by the first grip parts and the second grip parts, the first grip parts are formed in a straight or gently curved shape, the second grip parts are bent in an arc in front view and are narrowed toward an inner side of a rectangular frame in plan view so that middle portions of the second grip parts approach each other, and the training tool is formed with a mixed resin material containing 50%-80% of elastomer and 50%-20% of polypropylene.
 2. The training tool according to claim 1, wherein the middle portions of the second grip parts are narrowed toward the inner side of the rectangular frame in plan view, each by a length of 18 mm-25 mm, and inner side surfaces of the middle portions of the second grip parts are apart from each other by a distance of 40 mm-50 mm in plan view.
 3. The training tool according to claim 1, wherein the inner side surfaces of the middle portions of the second grip parts are apart from each other by a distance of 42.5 mm-47.5 mm in plan view.
 4. The training tool according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion is located on a front surface and a rear surface of each of the first grip parts along a longitudinal direction of the first grip parts.
 5. A training tool comprising: a pair of first grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other; and a pair of second grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other with a distance narrower than a distance between the first grip parts, wherein the training tool is formed in an integrated loop-like shape, which presents a substantially-wide rectangular frame as a whole in plan view by the first grip parts and the second grip parts, the first grip parts are formed in a straight or gently curved shape, the second grip parts are bent in an arc in front view and are narrowed toward an inner side of the rectangular frame in plan view, each by a length of 18 mm-25 mm, so that the middle portions of the second grip parts approach each other, and inner side surfaces of the middle portions of the second grip parts are apart from each other by a distance of 40 mm-50 mm in plan view.
 6. The training tool according to claim 5, wherein the inner side surfaces of the middle portions of the second grip parts are apart from each other by a distance of 42.5 mm-47.5 mm in plan view.
 7. The training tool according to claim 5, wherein a concave portion is located on a front surface and a rear surface of each of the first grip parts along a longitudinal direction of the first grip parts.
 8. A method of manufacturing a training tool, comprising pouring a mixed resin material containing 50%-80% of elastomer and 50%-20% of polypropylene into a mold having a shape of an integrated loop presenting a substantially-wide rectangular frame as a whole in plan view by a pair first grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other and a pair of second grip parts that are substantially parallel to and opposed to each other with a distance narrower than a distance between the first grip parts, the first grip parts having a straight or gently curved shape, the second grip parts being curved in an arc in front view and having middle portions narrowed toward an inner side of a rectangular frame in plan view by a length of 18 mm-25 mm each so as to approach each other, the middle portions of the second grip parts having a distance of 40 mm-50 mm between inner side surfaces in plan view, to manufacture a training tool having the shape. 